



JOHANNES 

OR 

THE OTHER BOY BORN 

IN BETHLEHEM 

J. C. SOLOMON 































JOHANNES; or, THE OTHER 
BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 






JOHANNES 

OR 

THE OTHER BOY BORN 
IN BETHLEHEM 


By 


J. cr SOLOMON 




PUBLISHED BY 

THE J. W. BURKE CO. 
Macon, Ga. 

1926 



BT 309 




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FOREWORD 


N O BOOK, that has not for its mission the mak¬ 
ing of the world—its world—wiser, better, 
and happier, has to have any excuse for its publica¬ 
tion. And the little story that follows, from the 
gifted pen of Dr. J. C. Solomon, I predict, will re¬ 
ceive an approving verdict from the reading public. 
An author of no mean distinction, having written 
other books, among them “St. Pierre’s Rain of 
Fire,” “The Bugle Blast,” and “Lights and Shad¬ 
ows,” he gives us his master-production in this, his 
last effort, “Johannes, or The Other Boy Born in 
Bethlehem.” 

While the theme of the author is one ever fasci¬ 
nating, his task has been difficult and delicate. To 
get the setting for his story and select the characters 
to move upon the stage created by his genius, he has 
gone into the inner circles of the family of the Mas¬ 
ter Himself. This he has done with no irreverent 
hand, but as one who has walked with the Master; 
and while he has given free play to his flights of im¬ 
agination, in his treatment of his subject, he has done 
so in such manner as not to offend the taste of the 
most ardent stickler for the sacredness of divine 
things. 

The style of the gifted author is forceful and 
graphic, well suited to the tragic story which he at¬ 
tempts to relate in the following pages. And as this 
little story flutters out from the brain and heart of 
its creator, upon its career as a literary production, 
it is with the fondest assurance of those that have 
read it with much pleasure that it will carry equal 
pleasure into a large and growing circle of readers. 

B. S. Fitzpatrick. 







JOHANNES; or, THE OTHER 
BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 



j|HE wise men from the 
East were in Bethle¬ 
hem. Heavenly visions 
had stirred their hearts; 
glorious prospects were 
in view. It was the advent of the 
Messiah, Him of whom they had 
read, Him for whom they had 
yearned. With marvelous pa¬ 
tience they had awaited this 
eventful time, joyfully anticipat¬ 
ing the peace and harmony that 
the prophesied Messiah would 
bring to them. He had been the 
Hope of years, and many who had 
longed for His coming had passed 
into the Great Beyond, not realiz¬ 
ing their fondest expectations. 

Herod was on the throne at this 
time; the government was tyran- 

( 7 ) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


nical. The master was pitiless, 
and the people restless. They 
sighed for another King, and 
surely the promised Messiah 
would break the yoke of Herod 
and snap the galling chains. And, 
as the common people looked for¬ 
ward joyfully to His coming, 
Herod and his designing poli¬ 
ticians dreaded it. To them it 
might mean great disaster, they 
thought; and they had bribed, 
with great promises of money and 
high office, the criminal element 
to seek the life of the Christ. 

It was a glorious night, beauti¬ 
fully clear, and the stars shone 
forth with a dazzling light, a typi¬ 
cal Asiatic night. No dreamer had 
ever sweeter dream; no poet ever 
sang sweeter song; no painter 
had ever put on canvas a fairer or 
diviner picture. 

“Glory to God in the highest, 
( 8 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


and on earth peace, good will to¬ 
ward men!” The voices rang out, a 
host of heavenly singers, a choir 
from the throne of God. Oh, that 
that peace might come to stay, a 
perennial peace among the chil¬ 
dren of men! 

No wonder the shepherds’ 
hearts thrilled, as did the hearts 
of all who heard the divine melody 
that night. And, 0, that won¬ 
drous star, large, majestic, unpar¬ 
alleled in beauty and brilliancy, 
as it travelled its course before 
the wise men, guiding them stead¬ 
ily on, to their hearts’ desire. 
They followed on, trusting, with 
their eyes steadily fixed on the 
sure guide. 

And it led them to the stable in 
Bethlehem, where lay the plump 
and dimpled Infant in His moth¬ 
er’s arms. Close by was the patient 
and adoring Joseph; and around 

(9) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


about the manger were the lean 
and lazy camels. What a contrast, 
our glorious Savior, and camels! 
What a strange, silent fellowship! 
But as Bethlehem slept, Bethle¬ 
hem that had shut Him out that 
night, the faithful camels kept 
watch over the Infant. 

It had been a long and tedious 
journey for the wise men, but 
their great love had urged them 
on, and the journey had at last 
been accomplished. Then, too, 
there were the camels, long, lean, 
ungainly looking camels, so pa¬ 
tiently suffering, so enduring. Let 
us remember them in mercy; they 
are closely associated with wis¬ 
dom. They, too, had been in quest 
of the Messiah. Yes, it had been 
a long journey, a night of great 
expectancy, but a night of love 
and wonder and worship. 

But why had they come, these 
( 10 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


wise and venerable men—was it to 
satisfy an idle curiosity? By no 
means. They had travelled to 
Bethlehem to praise, honor and 
glorify the Infant with rich gifts, 
and to offer Him the adoration of 
their hearts. 

For a long time, they sat in the 
manger, gazing on the sleeping 
Messiah, and praising the good 
God. They talked much to Mary 
and Joseph, questioning them re¬ 
garding their birth, lineage and 
country. They pitied them in their 
sorry plight—what a poor bed for 
the young King and His mother! 
The poor, but happy parents an¬ 
swered all their questions, giving 
an interesting account of their 
lives, and of the birth of their 
first-born, the immaculate Christ. 

During this time, a young lad 
was travelling down one of the 
rugged streets of Bethlehem, 
(id 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


never stopping until he reached 
the manger where the Christ Child 
lay. He stood there, gazing in¬ 
tently upon the Savior. He bowed 
profoundly, and reverently, his 
lustrous brown eyes filled with the 
look of adoration. 

The wise men arose and ad¬ 
vanced toward the lad, embracing 
him and saying, “Son, who art 
thou, and what art thou doing here 
at this time of night?” 

“I am Johannes,” he replied, 
“the son of Titus and Johannah, 
and I have come in quest of the 
great Messiah.” 

“But, Johannes, can the Messiah 
be born in Bethlehem, and all the 
city asleep the while? Does no¬ 
body care?” 

To this, Johannes replied, “No¬ 
body cares, my lords, Bethlehem 
is asleep. I am the only one awake; 
I have not closed my eyes in sleep 
( 12 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


tonight. I have walked the streets 
since dusk.” 

“And art thou not very tired, 
my son?” they asked him. 

“Nay, my lords, I am not tired. 
I could walk still another night, 
and ne’er grow weary, if I might 
only hope to find the Messiah.” 

“But why didst thou begin thy 
quest tonight, my lad? Would not 
a later night have answered thy 
purpose?” 

Johannes shook his head. “No, 
no, my lords,” he spoke up bravely. 
“I was afraid to wait, lest I should 
miss Him, for I saw His very star 
tonight. For hours I stood on the 
street and watched. Then I be¬ 
came confused and lost my bear¬ 
ing. The star baffled me; it seemed 
unsteady, and I was afraid I might 
not find the young Child. 

“I felt alone in the world,” he 
continued, “and was so unhappy, 

( 13 ) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


but when I saw you, my lords, my 
poor heart beat with joy, and I 
rushed on to join you, ye great and 
wise men of the East, for I felt that 
you, like myself, were in search of 
the Redeemer.” 

“And art thou very happy, dear 
lad?” 

“Happy, my gracious lords, my 
heart is fairly breaking with joy!” 
And, so saying, he bounded forth 
and caught up the Infant, embrac¬ 
ing Him, and kissing His ruby lips, 
His velvety cheeks, His soft eye¬ 
lids, and His feet. So vehemently, 
so wildly adoring were Johannes’ 
caresses that the young Child 
awoke and cried. 

Johannes wept. Mary and Jo¬ 
seph wept, while great pearly 
drops ran down the cheeks of the 
long, gray beard of the wise men. 
It was an hour of bliss. 

“And thou shalt call His name 


(14) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


Jesus, for He shall save His people 
from their sins.” 

After this ecstatic scene, the lad 
reverently laid the young Child 
back in His mother’s arms; a 
heavenly smile played on Johan¬ 
nes’ face, and for a few moments 
there was a profound and holy si¬ 
lence in the stable. A tinge of sad¬ 
ness was on the face of all. It was 
a moment of painful expectancy. 

Then Johannes broke the si¬ 
lence, speaking in a low, but in¬ 
tense voice, “Mary, my mother, 
blessed Joseph, and ye, my vener¬ 
able lords, the young Child is not 
safe tonight. The enemy had al¬ 
ready threatened Him, before He 
was born.” 

The wise men listened intently, 
as he went on, “Many times to¬ 
night I have been called mad, fool, 
maniac, and twice I have received 
blows because I dared to watch 


(15) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


M 

for my Lord. I heard two men 
talking, two rough, blasphemous 
men, conspiring. They did not be¬ 
lieve the Messiah would come 
soon, but they would be on the 
watch, and if they found Him, 
they would destroy Him from the 
face of the earth.” 

“I also heard some women, and 
they were among the most beauti¬ 
ful and cultured of our race, say, 
as they slowly passed me, watch¬ 
ing the star, that they would help 
make away with the Messiah.” 

He paused, for a moment, and 
then continued, “There’s a mut¬ 
tering and an unrest among my 
people; and voices have spoken to 
me from the skies that there is 
enmity and jealousy in the hearts 
of the rulers. I tell you, my lords, 
ye servants of Jehovah, that the 
Child’s life is in danger.” 

But the wise men cried out, 
( 16 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


“Johannes in Bethlehem, whither 
shall we fly, and whither shall we 
take the young Child and his 
parents?” 

Just then were heard wild out¬ 
cries, in the distance, mutterings, 
oaths and threats; sounds as if 
from a drunken rabble, or ruffi¬ 
ans. Yonder they come; some on 
donkeys, others afoot, armed with 
coarse weapons; and they were 
making straight toward the little 
group of worshippers, though 
they were yet some distance away. 

The ruddy cheeks of the old 
sages blanched. Mary’s heart beat 
wildly, while the young lad sat 
there with his eyes steadfastly 
fixed upon the Infant. Any mo¬ 
ment the sleeping Child might be 
destroyed. The hour was tense, 
awful! 

Suddenly, without apparent 
reason, the mob changed its 


(17) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


course, and turned abruptly to¬ 
ward the south, as if guided by 
providence. Above the din of 
human voices, and the clattering 
of donkeys’ feet, could be heard 
a most blasphemous threat, a wild 
shriek, which fairly pierced the 
air, that first Christmas morning, 
“We’ll kill the Christ, we’ll kill the 
Christ, if it costs the life of every 
male child in Judea.” 

Consternation filled the heart 
of every member of that blessed 
little group, but immediate dan¬ 
ger was gone, and all breathed a 
bit easier. They looked one at an¬ 
other, with manifest dread, and 
long, but no one spoke. Then, 
finally, Johannes said, “Most hon¬ 
orable lords, I know the temper of 
my people. Being led, as I verily 
believe they are by designing poli¬ 
ticians and excited by the hope of 
gain they are hot on the trail of 


(18) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM _|g 

the Christ. Many were in our vil¬ 
lage yesterday. They came from 
various sections of the country¬ 
side, and there was much talk 
about the Christ being born in 
Bethlehem. And while the people 
laughed their incredulity, and 
mocked at the report, in their 
hearts there lurked suspicion and 
dread. They have scented the 
truth; they believe. My lords, we 
must be up and away; for every 
moment of delay brings addition¬ 
al danger upon us. It is already 
past three o’clock; soon day will 
break, and the Judean hills will be 
flooded with light. Then, my lords, 
we may all be sleeping our last 
sleep. Up, up, let us go at once.” 

Every soul was on his feet; 
every eye was fixed on Johannes. 

The wise men spoke quickly, 
“You know your Bethlehem, lad; 
you lead, and we will follow.” 

( 19 ) 





JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


Johannes gave the orders; the 
wise men caused their beasts to 
kneel. Mary and the young Child 
were securely fastened on a camel, 
and Joseph walked by their side. 
The wise men mounted the other 
camels, while the wise Johannes, 
with the activity of a panther, 
sprang to the front with all the 
skill and strength of an athlete. 
He led the way over the hills and 
valleys of his star-lit, and now 
slumber-wrapped, Bethlehem. 

It was not long before the party 
reached the gate of a large man¬ 
sion. The camels knelt, the party 
dismounted, and stood, confront¬ 
ing a massive gate, which opened 
into a spacious enclosure. In it 
was a large cistern filled with 
clear water; and, beyond were 
commodious and comfortable 
stalls, supplied with food for the 
animals. The stalls were locked; 

( 20 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


everything about the place had 
been locked and safeguarded. 
Johannes took one hasty, but ac¬ 
curate, glance about him, survey¬ 
ing the entire situation. Feeling 
sure that no one, save Jehovah, 
knew of their whereabouts, with 
the stealthiness of a cat, he led 
his distinguished guests quickly 
on to the back gate; but as the 
latch clicked, the great dog, 
which had been peacefully sleep¬ 
ing, roused up suddenly and 
growled viciously. With a low 
and kindly voice, Johannes re¬ 
assured the animal, and it 
straightway quieted itself, and 
lay down again. They passed on; 
then, as the lad thrust a key into 
a lock, a large door swung open, 
letting the glory of the beautiful 
night fall full upon the face of a 
sleeping slave. He awoke in a 
fright, calling out, “Who comes 
( 21 ) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


M 

here?” In a subdued, but com¬ 
manding tone, Johannes bade him 
hush; whereupon the slave whis¬ 
pered, “Is that you, Master 
Johannes?” 

The slave lay back, quietly. 
Johannes escorted his guests to a 
small, but handsomely furnished 
parlor. Turning the light on 
very dimly, he bade them be seat¬ 
ed, and excused himself for a few 
minutes. 

Then, returning to the brown¬ 
faced servant, he said, “Augustus, 
where is my father, and where is 
my mother? Have you heard or 
seen any boisterous people in the 
streets? What does father say 
about my absence tonight?” 

“Master Johannes,” replied the 
slave, “your father and mother 
are in their own bedchamber. 
They just a moment ago came in. 
All night they have been seeking 
( 22 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


thee, young Master, sorrowing, 
even weeping. Your father said 
he would give up all his valuable 
estate, his silver, and his gold, 
even his hope of heaven, if he 
could but press you to his bosom 
again.” 

“And what else did he say, 
Augustus?” 

“He said, ‘much learning hath 
made Johannes mad;’ and he said 
further, that maybe the angel had 
talked to you, and that you knew 
something of the Christ.” 

“What else did he say, Augus¬ 
tus?” 

“He said, Master, one more 
word; that, if you ever came back, 
he would make your Christ his 
Christ.” 

Johannes’ heart jumped with 
joy, at this unexpected remark, 
and he was tempted to rush into 
the upper room and embrace his 


(23) 



m 


JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


mother, and father; but he re¬ 
frained. 

“Augustus,” he cried, “have my 
parents been injured, or are they 
in health?” 

“Nay, nay, my Lord,” the faith¬ 
ful slave replied, “half an hour 
ago some ruffians found your 
parents in the streets, and fell 
upon them and beat them. Your 
mother fainted; your father was 
felled to the ground, and lay there 
unconscious for some time, bleed¬ 
ing from a wound in the right 
temple. They both recovered 
sufficiently to get to the house, 
but your mother was so faint that 
your father and I were obliged to 
carry her to her room. However, 
they are both resting fairly com¬ 
fortably now, especially the mas¬ 
ter.” 

Johannes was fairly overcome 
by this pitiful recital; he stood si- 


(24) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM_J| 

lent for a moment, his eyes filled 
with tears. Then, with leaps and 
bounds, he rushed up the long 
flight of marble steps, to the 
chamber of his parents. They 
were overjoyed to find him, re¬ 
turned safe and sound, and, for 
the moment, forgot their own 
sad plight. The little woman 
embraced her boy, almost mad¬ 
ly, while the father stood 
trembling, his heart beating 
wildly, and great tears rolled 
down his cheeks. He tried to 
speak, but his voice failed him. 
Finally, when utterance was pos¬ 
sible, he threw up his hands, and 
cried, “Thank the good God, my 
boy is alive, and at home!” Fora 
moment they were silent, but for 
the convulsive sobs of the happy 
mother. 

Looking the big man full in the 
face, Johannes said, “Father, I 

( 25 ) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


have seen the Christ Child. With 
these very hands I have handled 
Him; I have pressed him to my 
bosom, and I have kissed Him, His 
hands and His feet. Father, won’t 
you make my Christ your Christ?” 

To this, the weeping father re¬ 
plied, “Oh, my son, I am not wor¬ 
thy. All my life I have been a 
cursed infidel. I have read 
Moses; I know the law; I have 
read Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the 
other prophets; I have read the 
wonderful psalms of David; I 
know the scriptures; but, like a 
fool, I have turned away from 
them. I have rejected the Christ.” 
His voice trembled; his body 
rocked with sobs. “Oh, my son, 
will Jehovah yet show me favor?” 

“He will,” cried the boy, “and 
he has! Wilt thou accept the 
Christ?” 

“I fear it is too late, Johannes. 

( 26 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


A mob is pursuing the young 
Child tonight, breathing out blas¬ 
phemy and threats of death. The 
ruffians were also seeking your 
life. I should have joined them, 
but for your sake. But I fear the 
Child will be killed tonight, ere 
the stars fade from the skies. Too 
late, my son; I fear thou shalt not 
see the Christ again.” 

“Father, heaven has blessed 
thee above all men. Our God hath 
honored thee; he hath taken the 
young Child from the manger to 
the mansion. He is in our home 
tonight, and Mary and the wise 
men from the East.” 

At this startling intelligence, a 
wild cry—half of pain, and half of 
joy—broke forth from the fath¬ 
er’s lips, and the mother threw up 
her hands. 

Titus looked into the eyes of the 
lad, as if to pierce his very soul, and 

( 27 ) 



M 


JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


said, “Johannes, do I hear aright? 
Dost thou speak truly, my son?” 

“As my soul liveth. Heaven is 
my witness. The Christ with his 
parents is in the little parlor be¬ 
low. The wise men from the East 
are also our distinguished guests.” 

Titus and Johannah were as¬ 
tounded. They rushed down the 
stairs, forgetting their wounds 
and weakness, flew into the parlor 
and threw themselves prostrate 
on the floor. In that glad hour, 
the fine old slave, led by the spirit, 
and moved by the holy passion, 
threw himself also at the feet of 
the young Child, and worshipped. 
Mary, Joseph and the wise men, 
together with the rich man of 
Bethlehem and his wife, all 
praised God, for the young Child 
was alive. 

After a brief conversation, 
touching the stirring scenes of 
( 28 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


the night, the distinguished 
guests, also Titus and Johannah, 
slept. Johannes, however, slept 
not. With the slave, he watched 
—watched over their sacred 
charge. 

The stars were slowly fading; 
the light of day was breaking in 
the East, and the Judean hills 
were aglow with silver, gold and 
sapphire. Earth and sky burned 
with the kindling of a rising sun. 
All was quiet; the stillness was 
tense. The sleepers in the Titus 
mansion were exhausted. While 
they slept, Johannes was enjoin¬ 
ing the utmost secrecy and cau¬ 
tion upon the slaves, and other¬ 
wise was preparing for the safe 
exit of the young Child from Beth¬ 
lehem. But a remarkable thing 
took place that night; or rather, 
in the early morning at the first 
glimmer of a new day, while a few 

( 29 ) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


stars were yet struggling in the 
sky. Johannes in disguise, with the 
great dog by his side, was 
stealthily moving to and fro, look¬ 
ing after his several appoint¬ 
ments, preparatory to the depar¬ 
ture’ of his guests, for. he knew he 
could not keep them in safety in 
the mansion much longer. As he 
and his faithful dog walked to¬ 
gether in the soft white shadows 
of the new day, Johannes patted 
the great beast on the head, and 
accosted him thus, “Dear old dog, 
good old dog, look about! Stand 
by your Master tonight!” 

Marco seemed to understand 
thoroughly; he wagged his tail; 
Johannes lifted his head, and read 
in a mute, but eloquent language, 
“Master, I’ll stand by you till 
death.” 

A would-be assassin leaped 
forth from out of his hiding, with 

( 30 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


his dagger glittering in his hands. 
The light of the stars fell upon 
Johannes. The man jumped upon 
him, brandishing the dangerous 
weapon. Only once did the keen 
blade take effect, inflicting a 
wound in Johannes’ flesh. Sud¬ 
denly, the faithful old Marco 
leaped toward the assassin; he 
plunged his great white teeth into 
the throat of the ruffian. There 
was a wild outcry of pain, blood 
spurted forth, the dog released 
his grip, and the body rolled over. 
He groaned a few times, the blood 
gurgled in his throat, the heavy 
breathing stopped, he lay still. 

Johannes rose to his feet; he had 
been wounded, but not seriously, 
as was his antagonist. His chief 
worry was the welfare of his sleep¬ 
ing guests in the mansion. Their 
lives were in jeopardy, and no 
time could be lost. The sound of 


(31) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


human feet was heard not far 
away, and the resounding clatter 
of hoofs, as if fast moving mules 
were coming in his direction, 
rent the air. Now and then could 
be heard the mutterings and 
threats of the rabble. That very 
night the royal party must perish 
from the earth, and Titus with his 
whole household. 

The lad crouched low on the 
ground; his heart was beating 
wildly against his ribs; Marco lay 
close up by the side of his young 
Master. 

Hark, the sounds approached 
nearer; they were coming. Johan¬ 
nes crouched closely to the 
ground, trying to hide himself as 
best he could. Tramp! Tramp! 
They came closer, and closer, and 
passed by! A moment later not 
a hoof was heard; it was like the 
stillness of midnight. Johannes 

( 32 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


breathed a heavy sigh of relief; 
he had undergone an awful strain 
and fright. He rose, and blew his 
whistle shrilly. Almost immedi¬ 
ately the old slave was at his mas¬ 
ter’s side. 

“Augustus!” cried Johannes, 
“Something must be done at once! 
Take the body of this dead man, 
and dispose of it in the cellar yon¬ 
der, and lock the door. Be quick! 
Dost thou understand?” 

“Yes, Master.” 

“Now to the barn. Shut the 
gate behind thee. Give the camels 
sufficient food and fill the cistern 
with water. Then hie to that dark 
corner yonder and crouch low 
against the wall. Watch, listen, 
and report to me the slightest 
movement of the enemy.” 

“Upon my soul, if I lose my poor 
life, I will obey thee,” the slave 
cried. 


(33) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


Johannes hastened to the bed¬ 
room of his sleeping parents, and 
bade them awake. “There is great 
excitement on the street,” he told 
them. “The rabble is seeking the 
Christ, and without a doubt sus¬ 
picion is on our home. I feel that 
we are being watched. I came near 
losing my life just a short while 
ago, at the hands of a ruffian, only 
for Marco, who leaped at his 
throat. It was a bloody struggle, 
but it was soon over and now the 
dead man lies in the cellar below.” 

At this, the little woman gave a 
low cry, as if in pain. “Hush, mo¬ 
ther,” he cautioned, “the enemy is 
lurking near, and our lives are in 
imminent danger; we must save 
the Christ.” 

The frightened trio stood there, 
gazing at one another, almost 
hopelessly; the thought of it made 
them shudder. 


(34) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


“We are nearing the end,” Jo¬ 
annes said, “and heaven only 
knows whether it shall be life or 
death.” Johannes moved toward 
the door. “Be still,” he continued, 
“in a few minutes I’ll be back.” 
Swiftly and silently he slipped out 
of the room, and hastened to his 
little chamber. On bended knees, 
he poured out his soul to the Fa¬ 
ther; he prayed till the sweat ran 
down his body like blood. 

The agony over, the atmosphere 
cleared. A sweeter hope stole in¬ 
to the lad’s heart. As silently as 
he had left the bedchamber of his 
parents, he returned there, find¬ 
ing them huddled together with 
hands clasped. With a look al¬ 
most of cheerfulness, he address¬ 
ed them, “There is danger every¬ 
where and death may be near, but 
Jehovah will deliver us.” 

Soon the guests were awakened, 

( 35 ) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


M 

and after the morning ablution, 
were seated at the table, where 
they enjoyed a sumptuous break¬ 
fast. 

“Johannes,” asked the wise 
men, “didst thou sleep some last 
night?” 

“Nay, my lords, I did not close 
my eyes,” promptly replied the 
lad. “I have had no time to sleep. 
I have been too busy fighting.” 

“But, lad, you look worn and 
pale. The strain is too great for 
thee, and you have been fighting! 
Tell us about this, lad.” 

“Well,” he began, “we have kill¬ 
ed a man already this morning.” 

“What?” the wise men cried, 
astounded. “Dost thou mean to 
say the blood of murder is on thy 
soul?” 

The amazed guests gazed at 
Johannes in bewilderment. 

“No,” he replied, “the blood of 

( 36 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM _M 

murder is not on me, but on Mar¬ 
co.” 

“And who is this Marco?” asked 
the distinguished guests. 

“Why, my lords,” Johannes re¬ 
plied, Marco is the one to whom 
I introduced you last night. He is 
my body-guard, my dog. It was 
he who killed the ruffian that was 
about to take my life. It is to my 
faithful dog that I owe my life, my 
faithful old Marco.” 

At that moment, a wild shriek 
pierced the mansion; every one 
grew still; every face turned 
ghastly white. Every eye turned 
to Johannes, for it was to him they 
appealed in danger or in fright; 
they trusted him implicitly. With¬ 
out a moment’s hesitation, he 
arose and gave his directions and 
in a very few minutes they were 
locked securely behind massive 
doors. Then Titus and Johannes 

( 37 ) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


m 

rushed to the scene of horror. As 
they drew back the strong doors, 
imagine their consternation on 
beholding on the granite steps, the 
frail body of a girl with blood 
pouring from her fresh made 
wounds. A rough, burly fellow 
stood by her, ready to inflict an¬ 
other blow; but, like a flash of 
lightning, a great cudgel from the 
hand of Johannes felled the brute 
to the ground. Almost immedi¬ 
ately after, twenty black slaves 
fell with fury upon the maddened 
mob that was gathered about the 
mansion. Clash! Clash! there was 
heard the sound of cudgels. It was 
a desperate encounter, but the 
brave and faithful slaves were 
successful in their attempts to 
drive back the ruffians. 

With great tenderness and com¬ 
passion, the father and son lifted 
and carried the body of the still 

( 38 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


unconscious girl up the marble 
stairway and into a beautiful 
room; there they laid her down. 
Two ugly wounds were plainly vis¬ 
ible, one on the back of her head, 
and the other on her shoulder. 
The blood was flowing freely, and 
she breathed heavily. Evidently 
she had been seriously injured by 
the blows of the vicious ruffians. 

Two maids were immediately 
summoned; the flow of blood was 
soon arrested, and consciousness 
was restored. As Johannes gazed 
on her long flowing locks, now 
bathed in blood, her wet face, and 
drooping, quivering eyelashes, a 
look of wonder and surprise 
crossed his brow. “I have seen her 
before,” he puzzled. “Who can 
she be, this beautiful girl?” His 
eyes dilated; his breath came fast; 
his heart beat wildly. “My God!” 
he cried, ”this is Rebecca! Re- 


(39) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


becca! Jehovah has spared thee, 
my beautiful Rebecca!” and 
he kissed her cold, white brow. 

Her eyes opened languidly; she 
faintly smiled; her eyelids closed 
again. 

Johannes left her with the maid, 
giving instructions to have fresh 
clothes provided for her, and that 
she be made comfortable. He then 
went below, and gave orders to the 
slaves, asking them questions, and 
enjoining the utmost caution upon 
them all. He waited long, but not 
a sound was heard; not an enemy 
was seen. Assuring himself that 
there was at least no immediate 
danger, he went in to see his pre¬ 
cious charge. She was sleeping 
soundly. For an hour or more he 
watched by her bedside, thinking 
of the awful tragedy, trying to 
solve the fearful mystery of her 
attack by the ruffians, and pray- 

( 40 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


ing for her immediate recovery. 

“Why did she come here? Why" 
•did the mob follow her? Why did 
that ruffian strike down this inno¬ 
cent girl?” All these questions 
Johannes asked himself. But the 
more he pondered, the deeper the 
mystery thickened. 

Finally, the girl stirred. Johan¬ 
nes bent over. “Rebecca!” he 
whispered, stroking her hands, 
her face, and her hair. 

“Johannes,” she said, softly, 
“thou hast saved my life!” She 
paused. “And hast thou also 
saved the young Child?” 

“The Child is safe,” he assured 
her. 

“Thank God!” she cried, joyous¬ 
ly. 

“But Rebecca, my beautiful Re¬ 
becca, tell me about this awful 
happening. What was the cause 
of it?” 


(41) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


Rebecca spoke in a low tone, for 
she was yet very weak. “Oh, 
Johannes, it was all so horrible, it 
makes me shudder! ” She paused, 
and then continued, “Well, this 
morning as I sat at my window 
thinking of the Christ, and of 
thee, longing to gaze on this won¬ 
drous Child, some rough-looking 
men came along the street, and 
stopped in front of our home. I 
could see them through the rose 
bush from my window. In low, 
muttering tones, they spoke. I 
soon saw they were bent on mis¬ 
chief. They spoke of the Christ, 
and more than once, Johannes, 
they mentioned thy name. And I 
heard one of them speak very de¬ 
liberately, with a deep scowl on his 
face, ‘We will kill this Christ, and 
this young mad-cap Johannes; he 
is stirring up strife in Bethlehem. 
We must put him out of the way. 


(42) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM _ Jj| 

Let us go immediately to the home 
of Titus!’ ” 

Johannes listened intently, as 
she went on, “My very heart ached 
and my brain reeled. I realized 
that something must be done, and 
done quickly, for in the third 
watch of the night, I sat at that 
window and I saw thee going be¬ 
fore the camels. I was persuaded 
that I saw the wise men from the 
East, and Mary, and Joseph, with 
the young Child. I well knew then 
that thou wert making for thy 
home, but I was a prisoner. My 
father forbade my leaving the 
house; he is so stern! I knew that 
he would disinherit me, and pos¬ 
sibly slay me. I longed to break 
away, and walk with thee and the 
camels, but when that murderous 
mob started toward Titus’ home, 
I could stand it no longer. I leaped 
to my feet, rushed to the side win- 

( 43 ) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


dow, and crushing it in with a 
heavy iron, I jumped out and 
rushed up the back alley, making 
straightway for the mansion. 

“The mob saw me and pursued 
me. For the life of me I could not 
make my escape. Then, a heavy 
blow was landed on the back of my 
head; I knew no more until I open¬ 
ed my eyes and found myself in 
this lovely room, with thee at my 
side.” She drew a deep breath; 
she was exhausted. 

After a long silence, she rallied 
again, and spoke right on, “Like 
thyself, Johannes, I have looked 
forward to the coming of the Mes¬ 
siah with great joy. I have read 
the prophets, and I believed He 
was coming. I had hoped and 
prayed that He would bring peace 
and concord to our unhappy peo¬ 
ple. We stood on the streets to¬ 
gether last night, and gazed on 

( 44 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


the star of Bethlehem. As I 
watched, my heart almost burst 
with joy. I was wild to go with 
thee, in quest of the Babe; but my 
father hated the Messiah and 
swore vengeance against Him; 
and for aught I know, he may this 
minute be on the streets with the 
rabble, seeking the life of the 
Savior. 

“And just to think, Johannes, 
the Christ is alive, and we are un¬ 
der the same roof in thy home. Is 
it not just wonderful ? Oh, my joy 
is well nigh unspeakable! My cup 
runneth over!” And her eyes 
sparkled like the stars; on her face 
was the expression of great peace 
and happiness. 

“Rebecca, my beautiful angel,” 
cried Johannes, “thou wert never 
so fair; thou wert never so dear 
as thou art today. Thou art my 
dream, my heart’s white flame! 

( 45 ) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


Since thou wert a lassie, and I but 
a lad, I have loved thee; but now, 
dear Rebecca, I adore thee; next 
to the Christ, I worship thee.” 

With this passionate outburst, 
Johannes rained his kisses upon 
her; he kissed her white forehead, 
her dimpled cheeks, her quivering- 
lips, and her glossy hair. She 
blushed crimson, but she did not 
resist. She was as clay in the pot¬ 
ter’s hands. She was radiantly 
happy. 

“Master! Master!” a voice cried 
out from the hall. Johannes 
rushed, pale as death, to the door. 
“What is it, Augustus?” 

“The enemies of the Christ have 
battered down the great barn 
doors, and they have killed one of 
the camels and wounded one of 
the slaves. Marco is howling 
with pain caused by a blow from a 
big ruffian, but our slaves fought 


(46) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


like demons and sent the mob off, 
beaten and bleeding. Marco, too, 
fell upon them, biting them fu¬ 
riously, till several cried out with 
rage. But, Master, as I was stand¬ 
ing close to the leader, I heard him 
whisper to one of his men, grit¬ 
ting his, teeth, ‘We’ll come back at 
midnight with a thousand men, if 
necessary, and we’ll take the 
Christ, Titus and Johannes, or 
we’ll burn the house to the ground. 
Now, let us hurry and organize 
our forces.’ ” 

Johannes stood like a statue, 
dumbfounded, speechless. Con¬ 
sternation was written on his face. 
He gathered himself together 
with an effort, and addressed 
the slave, “Augustus, care well 
for the camels, and prepare 
your suppers. Stand guard to¬ 
night, every one of you, like Ro¬ 
man sentinels. Sleep not on your 


(47) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


post! Dare not close an eye!” 

“Yea, Master,” replied the slave, 
“with our lives thy commands 
shall be obeyed.” 

The day was spent; deep twi¬ 
light was on; the first little stars 
were struggling through the 
white clouds; a few villagers were 
walking the streets, and now and 
then might be heard the clatter of 
donkeys’ feet. Soon all was quiet 
without; but in the home of Titus, 
in the beautiful and now historic 
mansion, there were great activi¬ 
ties. A most careful and abund¬ 
ant preparation was being made 
for the exodus. 

Johannes’ classical, but pale 
face, shone with a wondrous light, 
for there was in his soul a strange, 
sweet peace, for a new hope and a 
new joy had come into his life that 
day. 

Supper was announced; the 

( 48 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


m 

odor of rich and savory viands 
greeted both host and guests. 
They partook of a feast well fit for 
kings. Present were Joseph, 
Mary, the three wise men, Titus, 
Johannah, and Johannes, and an¬ 
other—an uncrowned queen, ra¬ 
diantly happy and transcendently 
beautiful. Every eye was upon 
her as she sat there, blushing, by 
Johannes’ side. 

“This is Rebecca,” Johannes an¬ 
nounced, “my own fair Rebecca, 
who has saved the Christ, and 
saved us all.” Immediately after 
this simple but thrilling intro¬ 
duction, there arose a murmur of 
gladness and praise. 

The wise men of the East bowed 
profoundly to this charming girl 
of Bethlehem, saying, “Heaven 
bless thee, Rebecca, fair lady; and 
may the Messiah use thee to His 
glory; may thy life be as fragrant 

( 49 ) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


as the breath of Ceylon!” and 
again they bowed most profound¬ 
ly. The meal was then finished 
almost in silence, for every mind 
was occupied with the thoughts of 
the young Child. 

“Johannes hath told me all 
about the Christ, the Child, our 
Redeemer,” said Rebecca, turn¬ 
ing and gazing wonderingly, 
pleadingly at Mary. “Johannes 
tells me,” she continued, “that the 
Child is wondrous fair, and divine¬ 
ly beautiful. Yet I have never 
laid eyes on this Babe of Bethle¬ 
hem. Might I see the Messiah?” 

With a smile born of heaven, 
and a heart swelling with emo¬ 
tion, the lovely Mary slowly led 
the way to the adjoining room, 
where, in His snow-white little 
bed, lay the immaculate Infant. 
Rebecca stood by the little bed, 
with beaming eyes, gazing raptur- 

( 50 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


ously at the sleeping Child; a little 
cry of joy broke forth from her 
adoring soul, “At last I have seen 
Him,” she uttered, “this Christ of 
God, the Messiah—heaven’s best 
gift to earth. The sight of his 
blessed little face thrills my very 
soul! Oh, I am so happy; this has 
been such a wonderful night!” 
And so the lovely Rebecca en¬ 
thused over the object of her 
adoration. 

The guests were aroused at this 
point by a quiet, but rapid move¬ 
ment of feet toward their hal¬ 
lowed room. They turned abrupt¬ 
ly, alarmed, dread written on their 
faces, fear for themselves and for 
the Child. 

“What is this we hear?” cried Ti¬ 
tus. “It seems that some one is at 
the window. Jehovah! Jehovah! 
Shall we all be murdered to¬ 
night?” 


(51) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


“Listen!” cried Johannah. 
“Marco is growling ominously, 
and the windows shake worse 
than before.” 

They all huddled close together, 
about the divine sleeper, and 
stood, white and ghastly, motion¬ 
less, knowing not what to do. Jo¬ 
hannes suddenly entered, and 
cried out, “The night is favorable. 
The wind is blowing sharply; the 
clouds are thickening, and soon 
not a star will be seen. I’ve waited 
long, and not a sound comes from 
the street; they have all gone to 
cover. But twelve o’clock, remem¬ 
ber, midnight, is the fatal hour, 
the hour of doom! It is now nine- 
thirty; by ten we must leave the 
mansion. Not a minute is to be 
lost!” 

There was a great excitement 
in the little group. Bedding, 
clothing, silver, gold and all of Ti- 

( 52 ) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


tus’ precious treasures were se¬ 
curely strapped to the faithful 
beasts of burden. Johannes and 
Rebecca, Joseph, Mary and the 
young- Child, with Titus and Jo- 
hannah and the wise men from 
the East, and the slaves, armed 
with spears, javelins, and sabres 
were on their camels. At ten 
o’clock the caravan moved out of 
Bethlehem and Marco with them. 

Sure enough, at twelve o’clock 
the ruffians were at “The Man¬ 
sion,” swearing vengeance 
against the young Child, as 
though the Babe were a common 
outlaw, or the most vile despera- 
dor. The noisy rabble was mad, 
furious. Like wild men, they bat¬ 
tered down the massive doors and 
lit up the house till every room was 
ablaze. They sought diligently 
from cellar to garret, in their de¬ 
termination to find the young 


(53) 



JOHANNES; OR, THE OTHER 


Savior. Every closet was 
searched; even the most remote 
corner in the grand mansion was 
laid bare. Nothing escaped the 
sharp eyes of the ruffians, but, 
alas! their search was fruitless. 
The Light of the World was not to 
be found. Imagine their conster¬ 
nation, their wrath, and the blas¬ 
phemous cursing and mutterings 
that broke forth from their vile 
lips, when they realized how 
utterly helpless they were, in their 
fruitless efforts to find the Child. 

Suddenly a great flame burst 
forth from one of the most beau¬ 
tiful rooms of the mansion; an¬ 
other flame from another direc¬ 
tion; a third, a fourth; flame after 
flame burst forth, leaping and 
roaring, till the mansion was a 
great mass of blaze and smoke. 
All Bethlehem was aroused; such 
a conflagration had never been 


(64) 



BOY BORN IN BETHLEHEM 


seen before in that historic town. 

The Judean hills, for many miles 
around, shone with the light of the 
spectacular blaze of the Titus 
mansion. And over the hills, trav¬ 
eling the road that was lighted be¬ 
fore them, trod the camels carry¬ 
ing the Holy Group. And, from the 
distance, Titus, turning and gaz¬ 
ing back, cried out, “The mansion 
is on fire, my home is destroyed!” 

And, as Johannah also turned 
and looked, her body trembled, 
and she sobbed aloud, “My beauti¬ 
ful home, it is gone!” 

But the lovely Rebecca said, “Be 
of good cheer, for we have with us 
the Messiah.” And Johannes, with 
a peace deep as the ocean, whis¬ 
pered, “And I have my Rebecca!” 

And, as they looked on the shad¬ 
owy outlines of each other’s faces 
“there shone a light that never 
was seen, on land or sea.” 

( 65 ) 





library OF congress 



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